Horton is pretty much just a throw in at this point. So basically Staal and Skinner for Toews. I'd probably do that, I think Staal and Skinner max out at 30/30. I don't think they're more than just above average forwards.

My fantasy team weeps for Schneider. Just one game, but still. If he relinquishes the starting job I'm screwed as far as goaltending goes. Varlamov and Lindback are my other options, I'm counting on him to be the rock.

meecrofilm wrote:My fantasy team weeps for Schneider. Just one game, but still. If he relinquishes the starting job I'm screwed as far as goaltending goes. Varlamov and Lindback are my other options, I'm counting on him to be the rock.

We have to play 2 goalies. Schneider and Lehtonen are my options, because I focused on skaters.

I'm a little frustrated in my one Yahoo league. There's 20 teams and no one wants to even talk realistic trades at this point, except for the 3/4 teams that have nothing that could help me (ie. same strengths/weaknesses).

I've tried offering some of the more active teams what I believe are relatively fair deals, and get back counter offers of complete jokes. (ie. top tier dman, owned 98% of the time, in exchange for Paul Martin)

Probably, JBo will probably come around, but it's a new system in Calgary and JBo only has one line to outlet the puck to (Niskanen has two lines to get it to, better chance)...if they aren't out there, anything can happen (usually something negative, as Bouwmeester has been on the ice for most of the Flames goals against this year). Niskanen is in a better situation, more likely to be a plus player, more likely to score, more in tune with the system earlier on. Worst case, you can always switch back or switch for something of similar value.

count2infinity wrote:I hate having to pick goalies to play and choosing wrong. Had Brodeur on the bench last night.

Theres about 10 websites that will tell you who is starting and be fairly accurate. They comb team reports, twitter accounts, media interviews etc etc.. As soon as they know they update so sometimes you find out early, sometimes only minutes before the game.

Side note,

I'm in 4 leagues and getting absolutely crushed in 3 of them this week. Sigh.

I've been dealt a very tough blow with the loss of Mike Smith. In such a shortened season, even a 2 week absence (in a H2H league) might be enough to keep me out of the playoffs. I have to act quickly to address my goaltending situation.

I have Smith, Luongo, Neuvirth, Biship (farm), Gibson (farm) as my goalies. This is a keep 17, so treat it as dynasty league for the names we'll be discussing.

My best partner might be the team who has Quick/Bernier, Varlamov, and Bobrovsky. Best partner because (1) he is not a competitor this year so would be willing to run with two goalies for a long-term gain, and (2) he has a hard on for Blake Wheeler.

I am almost certain that I could do Wheeler for Bobrovsky straight up, but I would like to do better than that since Columbus, albeit improved, is still in an extremely difficult division (which does not bode well in such a short season). Still, I do like Bobrovsky going forward.

I'm think I'd like to actually try to get both Bobrovsky and Varlamov. Being a points league, wins are pretty important as peripherals don't get you very far in goalie scoring, so these are by no means stellar options for this league, but both are young and skilled.

I think I'd like to do something centered around Wheeler/Luongo/Neuvy/Gibson for Bobrovsky/Varlamov/++

What are reactions to:

Wheeler/Luongo/Neuvy/Gibson/Giordano for Bobrovsky/Varlamov/Shattenkirk/Kulikov

I don't believe Bobrovsky will be in the league three years from now, personally. I've been told I'm out to lunch on that, but I just don't see it with him. Which Gibson do you have, John or Christopher? I like Varlamov a lot, but he's on an iffy team. I don't like Neuvirth at all. Luongo is about the best player in that deal...

How bad is your defense? Do Shatty and Kulikov offer major upgrades or...? I struggle to comprehend deals with too many moving parts, but my gut tells me not to do that. Try to trade Ben Bishop for something that helps you...his stock seems to be dropping at the moment...he's going to get traded fairly soon, so I guess maybe until you see where he ends up...